His performances this season have baffled me, because last season, as well as all the goals he all round play in midfield was stunning. Unlike many other players, he got a rest in the summer and I was expecting him to kick on this season and lead the midfield. Instead, we have a player who keeps giving the ball away and continues to play needless flicks in dangerous areas. He was injured recently, so we can cut him some slack, but I thought even at the start of the season, his performances were average. I thought he was a disgrace against Anderlect in the second half, instead of dropping back and sitting to protect our lead, he was constantly running forward trying to score. That is just poor in-game management. Was last season a fluke? Hopefully not, because even before that season, I always rated him, but his performances have been concerning me lately.
Last season was certainly not the norm in his overall performances for us since he joined. Using the 'form is temporary, class is permanent' mantra you'd have to say his overall class for us has been merely adequate, while last season he had some great form. The hope is that he can make last season his norm and for him to become permanently class. Not doing it consistently yet though. But injuries can only be used as an excuse for so long. To be fair though our overall play this season has been poorer than ever so it's not like Ramsay is the only player in poor form that we have. These players playing poorly are just symptoms of an overarching trend which is that we're a club stuck in rut of mediocrity with no strong leadership. There'll be flashes of brilliance (generally against sub standard teams where it's easier to showcase your talent, eg. Galatasaray, Burnley) because, let's face it, some of these players we have really are top class. But they won't be harnessed into a cohesive team who are able to produce consistent results to challenge for the top honours. Truthfully, I don't think we're really going to have any idea what the potential of most our players is until we have someone who can get them playing as a proper team with tactical know-how.
I think the team in general has started off poorly and Ramsey has just been one of those players. I think we've become more sensitive to Ramsey due to him being one of the best midfielders in the league last season. But i've seen some dreadful stuff from Ozil, Cazorla and Wilshere that frankly indicates to an overall poor team effort. Also Sanchez's great start has exposed our regular players poor form too. It's like they are just "Sanchez" watching and leaving most of it to him. The man is like a one man army at the moment and it shows how no one else is stepping up. Walcott is a player that should hopefully lighten the burden on Sanchez but the others aren't doing enough to make a difference at the moment, barring the new boys of course.
The thing with Ramsey is that he's a player that takes risks. He doesn't play the safest ball, tries new things, takes shots from distance etc.. When it's going well these things come off and he looks great. When he's off form or not fully match fit he makes more mistakes. It's just the way he plays. personally wouldn't change it because when he's on form he wins us games.
Watched the Wales game today, and Ramsey was dreadful. He looks so low on confidence right now, has trouble even making simple passes. Maybe a goal might help, but right now Wilshere has to start ahead of him for the game against United.
The same thing happened to him when he lost his confidence after his comeback from injury. He couldn't even make a simple 5-10yd pass without a mistake at times and he got caught out too often trying to do flicks and overcomplicated stuff. When he's in this sort of head space he really needs to go back to basics and be solid. I'm hoping that the return of Giroud might help something click again for Ramsey as he's played some of his best football ever linking up with the big frenchman.
Would you drop Welbeck when the big unit is back ? I think having Welbeck in the team with his pace offers more and brings best out of Sanchez perhaps as defenders have to mark 2 fast players. Also Welbeck has scored 2 for England so maybe has confidence back
Depends on the game, those teams that play with 6 CBs against us won't suit Welbeck's strengths at all
I watched the Belgium - Wales game last night (great result for Wales) and Ramsey was pretty non-existent again. When he did get the ball, he made the wrong decision far too often.
I can't figure out whats wrong with Ramsey either, I was really expecting him to kick on for Arsenal and Wales, especially Wales who are getting a more solid back 4 and with everyone's eyes on Bale in an easier group than they have had, then it should allow Ramsey to orchestrate play more. But he's been very poor. I do think that having Giroud, with Sanchez, Walcott and maybe Oxo (unless Cazorla finds some form) behind him offers a good mix of pace, physicality, aerial threat and hold up/link up play, which you'd hope Ramsey can play off. So for certain games is definitely appealing.
